Laos is quickly becoming a favorite destination for Indian travelers. With its stunning Buddhist temples that echo our shared cultural heritage, the serene Mekong River, and a reputation for being one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia, it is no wonder that backpackers and families from Delhi to Bangalore are flocking to Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
However, before you can enjoy a bowl of Khao Soi or explore the Plain of Jars, you need to sort out your entry paperwork. For Indian passport holders, the rules are specific but straightforward.
In this guide, we answer the most searching questions about the Laos eVisa for Indian Citizens, helping you choose between the online option and the Visa on Arrival, and ensuring your trip is hassle-free.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Laos?
Yes, Indian citizens are required to hold a valid visa to enter the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos). India is not on the visa-exemption list for Laos.
Whether you are flying in for a short holiday, a yoga retreat, or a backpacking trip across Indochina, you must obtain a visa. Fortunately, the government has made this easy by offering the Laos eVisa (Electronic Visa), which you can secure from the comfort of your home before you travel.
What Is the Laos eVisa and How Long Can Indians Stay?
The Laos eVisa is an official digital travel authorization designed for tourism.
Validity: The visa itself is valid for 60 days from the date of approval. You must enter the country within this window.
Duration of Stay: Once you enter Laos, you are permitted to stay for up to 30 days.
Entry Type: It is a Single Entry visa. If you exit Laos to visit Thailand or Vietnam and wish to return, you will need a new visa.
Can I Get a Laos eVisa in 1 Hour?
Sometimes travel plans are made at the very last minute. If you are already at the airport in Bangkok or Delhi and realize you forgot your visa, can you still apply for Lao Tourist eVisa?
Yes, depending on the service you choose. While the standard government processing time is a few days, premium visa agencies offer expedited services for urgent situations:
Super Rush Processing: This service prioritizes your application to the top of the queue, capable of delivering an approved eVisa in just 1 to 3 Hours.
Rush Processing: If you have a few days before your flight, this option delivers the visa in 3 – 5 Working Days.
Note: Super Rush services come with a higher premium fee, but they are a lifesaver for emergency travel.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted for Indian Applicants?
For Indian citizens, paying online can sometimes be tricky due to international banking regulations. The Laos eVisa system generally accepts:
Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and Amex.
Debit Cards: Visa or MasterCard debit cards that are enabled for international transactions.
Does it accept UPI? Currently, the official Laos eVisa portal does not directly accept UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm). You must use a card with a 16-digit number and CVV.
Does a single typo force me to pay the entire government fee a second time?
Government Website:The cost of error is 100% financial loss. A typo in critical fields like your name, date of birth, or passport number means the issued visa is invalid for travel. Since you cannot edit the form after submission, you must pay the full non-refundable government fee again to submit a corrected, new application.
lao-evisa.com:Zero financial loss from typos guaranteed. We act as your rigorous error-checking safety net. We meticulously review your entire form, cross-reference it with your uploaded passport data, and flag any discrepancy for correction, saving you the expense and stress of a double payment.
My Laos eVisa Payment Was Declined – What Should I Do?
It is common for Indian cards to be declined on international websites. If your payment fails, check the following:
International Usage Disabled: Most new Indian debit/credit cards have international transactions disabled by default. Log in to your NetBanking or Mobile Banking app and enable “International Usage” before attempting the payment again.
Rupay Cards: Standard domestic Rupay cards are often not accepted on international government portals. Try using a Visa or MasterCard instead.
Bank Block: If the transaction is flagged as “unusual” (since it’s a foreign currency payment), your bank might block it. You may need to call your bank to authorize the transaction.
Who can I contact if my application gets stuck or I need help outside business hours?
Government Website:No immediate, human support is available. Support is limited strictly to official channels, usually requiring complex email forms with documented slow response times (often 3-5 days). If you are struggling with a technical error or urgent question, you are entirely on your own.
lao-evisa.com:Yes, instant, 24/7 human support. We offer dedicated, multilingual assistance available around the clock via email, Live Chat, WhatsApp calls, and messages. Our team provides real-time help and priority follow-up until your visa is successfully delivered.
Can I Travel Lao on a Travel Document or Refugee Document?
This is a critical rule for holders of Identity Certificates (IC) or Refugee Travel Documents (often held by Tibetan residents in India).
The Rule:No. The Laos eVisa is valid for Ordinary Passports only.
If you hold an Identity Certificate (Yellow Book) or any travel document that is not a standard national passport, you cannot apply for the eVisa.
You must visit the Embassy of Laos in New Delhi physically to apply for a sticker visa. Attempting to use an eVisa with a non-standard travel document will likely result in denied entry at the border.
What Documents Do Indian Citizens Need to Apply for Laos eVisa?
Valid Indian Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity remaining.
Passport Bio Page: A clear color scan.
Photograph: A recent digital photo (4×6 cm, white background).
Email Address: To receive the Approval Letter.
What Is the Processing Time for Indian Applicants?
Indian travelers are known for last-minute plans, but it is best to apply early.
Normal Processing:5 – 7 Working Days.
Rush Processing:3 – 5 Working Days.
Super Rush Processing:1 – 3 Hours (available via specialized agencies).
Pro Tip: Apply at least one week before your flight to account for any public holidays in Laos that might slow down the approval.
How to Apply for Laos eVisa from India?
Select Visa: Choose “Visit Visa – 60 Days, Single Entry”.
Upload Info: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport.
Pay: Use your international-enabled credit or debit card.
Print: Once approved, print two copies of the Approval Letter.
Can I Convert My Tourist eVisa to a Work Visa?
Many Indians look for opportunities in Southeast Asia. However, please note: Laos eVisa is strictly for tourism. You cannot legally work or convert this visa into a long-term work permit while inside Laos. If you intend to work, you must apply for a Business (B2) or Labor (LA-B2) visa from a Lao Embassy in India (New Delhi) before you travel.
Conclusion
For Indian citizens, the Laos eVisa is the smartest way to start your journey. It removes the uncertainty of the “Visa on Arrival” process and lets you walk straight past the queues to start your adventure.
Whether you are seeking spirituality in the temples or adventure in the jungles, getting your visa sorted early means you can focus on what matters: enjoying the incredible beauty of Laos. Happy Travels!
